Plumbing 
Pete Luna|Leader-news file photo
Due to scant rainfall Uvalde County Commissioners enacted the first 90-day burn ban of 2024 on March 25, when a red flag wind warning was in effect through 8 p.m.
Meeting in the third-floor chambers of the county courthouse, county commissioners also voted against allowing the sale of fireworks in unincorporated areas during the holiday period of May 1-5 for Cinco De Mayo. This mirrors commissioners’ decision at the March 11 meeting, where they voted against allowing fireworks April 16-21 for San Jacinto Day, which celebrates the April 21, 1836, anniversary of the final battle of the Texas Revolution.
The U.S. National Weather Service issued the red flag warning, meaning conditions such as strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures were conducive to rapidly spread fire.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center has recorded about 1.64 inches of rain this year, with 0.28 falling in March.
Violating a ban on outdoor burning is a Class C misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $500.
The ban does not prohibit burning activities related to public health and safety authorized by the Texas Natural Resources Commission, including firefighter training; public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; planting or harvesting of agriculture crops; and controlled burns conducted by a certified prescribed burn manager.
The burn ban does not prohibit burning for food preparation, provided that it is constantly monitored by an individual 18 years or older.
Previous burn bans
Commissioners enacted the first burn ban of 2023 on Jan 23 and rescinded it on March 20, after 1.12 inches of rain fell over a three-day span.
On Aug. 14, with temperatures surpassing 90 degrees before noon, commissioners ordered the second ban which they rescinded on Oct. 3 after a series of rain showers deposited 0.50 inches of rain.
In 2022, Uvalde County officials enacted two burn bans. They ordered the first on Feb. 28 and rescinded it on May 5, after thunderstorms. They called for the second on June 16 and lifted it on Aug. 22 after a few soaking rains.
In 2021, county commissioners issued one burn ban on April 12. They rescinded it on April 29, after 1.66 inches of rain fell during thunderstorms the previous day.
jkeeble@ulnnow.com, 830-278-3335
